is it normal to just completely be pooped in the evening about 2 hours after her injection?
Vetsulin dose onset is early in the cycle. It typically starts to really kick in around the +1 mark and can start lowering the BG fast and hard. This (often very steep) drop in BG can make
some cats feel a bit lousy and 'wiped out'.
We have received reports here from various members that their cats became very sleepy/lethargic/withdrawn during the peak period of effect when being treated with Vetsulin (aka Caninsulin), my own cat included. When being treated with Caninsulin, Saoirse would be fairly bright in the first hour or so of each cycle, became very lethargic and withdrawn for most of the rest of the cycle, only brightening up again in the couple of hours before the next dose was due. As I recorded in her journal and discussed with my vet at the time it was like having two different cats. Also, in general, different insulins can have different effects on cats' moods/behaviours (insulin being a hormone).
While it is sometimes observed that cats can become a bit groggy/lethargic in the very early stages of treatment
on any insulin (their bodies may need a little time to become acclimatised to the insulin in use and also maybe spending time in a lower BG range than the body has seen in a while), if Harley's sleepiness/lethargy persists or if it becomes more pronounced then it may be that the action of the particular insulin being used just does not agree with the individual cat. Whatever the potential reason, let your vets know ASAP about the current clinical signs you're observing and regularly keep them up to date with Harley's progress thereafter.
Not all insulins agree with all cats, and if a particular insulin isn't a good 'fit' then there are other insulins available to try. Finding the right one can make the
world of difference to a kitty's health and happiness. (A lot of members here have reported that their cats seem much happier after switching to Levemir, for example. My Saoirse was much happier and brighter when I switched her to Lantus.)
Going back to Vetsulin/Caninsulin for a moment, a key sign to watch for is if Harley starts to show avoidance/hiding behaviour when she knows her next insulin dose is due, or if she starts to really struggle or shows aggressive behaviour when you're trying to administer the injection. It may be her way of trying to tell you that the Vetsulin's effects are making her feel unwell.
I suggest recording brief notes of these lethargic spells, including the time in the cycle when they're observed (e.g. from +2 to +9) in the Remarks section of Harley's spreadsheet. It will help you to better spot Harley's individual pattern of response and to track trends more easily (may be positive or negative changes). If the lethargy persists then you will have built up a very useful record of clinical signs alongside the BG data to discuss with your vet. Should this prove to be the case for Harley, your vet should then have the information needed to help them select a different insulin to better suit Harley's body. Always err on the side of caution: when in doubt, call your vet.
SAFETY NOTE I: With a cat who shows signs of sleepiness/lethargy while the insulin dose is active in the system it is even more important to do mid-cycle checks. Lethargy can be a symptom of hypoglycaemia. Home BG testing is the only way that you'll be able to safely distinguish whether the low energy is due to 'insulin grogginess' or whether you need to intervene with food/carbs to raise your cat's blood glucose back up to safe levels. (I speak from personal experience.) I can't recommend strongly enough the value of getting a 'before bed' BG check every evening to help keep a kitty safe.
SAFETY NOTE II: Some cats metabolise insulin a little faster than others and, while
on average Vetsulin cats have nadir between +4 and +7, Vetsulin can produce a nadir much earlier in the cycle. With Harley getting so sleepy at +2 hours after the dose was given I'd recommend testing her at +2 and +3 to check her BG levels to make sure they're in the safe range. If there's a substantial drop by +2 in the cycle, then closer monitoring may be needed for the next few hours. Also, nadir time can move around. A useful sign to watch for is an 'appetite uptick': if Harley goes to look for some food a little while after the injection was given, say, at about 60-90 minutes after dose admin then this can help you spot the time of dose onset (i.e. when the insulin really starts getting to work to lower BG). If dose onset starts happening earlier, it may be an early warning sign to expect an earlier nadir.
Mogs
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